Costa Rica Wedding Photographer

Real moments, not just posed photos

BASED IN TAMARINDO. PHOTOGRAPHING WEDDINGS ACROSS COSTA RICA.

HONORED TO BE FEATURED AND CELEBRATED ON
  • Kevin Heslin Photography featured in Forbes
  • White text Frommers® on a maroon background with a stylized o resembling a play button and a triangular accent on the s, evoking the spirit of adventure—perfect inspiration for any costa rica wedding photographer seeking memorable destinations.
  • Kevin Heslin Photography featured in Toronto Star
  • Kevin Heslin photography featured in HuffPost.

WELCOME

I’m Kevin Heslin. I’ve photographed weddings in Costa Rica for more than 20 years.

You didn’t choose Costa Rica so a stranger could pose you on a beach. Before your wedding, I learn who matters to you and how you love each other. Then I photograph the day as it really happens, so your album holds your people, not your poses.

Real weddings. Hit play.

A couple stands on large rocks at the base of a waterfall, surrounded by mist and greenery. Captured by a Costa Rica wedding photographer, the man in a white shirt holds the woman in a light dress as they gaze up at the cascading water, creating a serene and romantic scene.
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HI, I AM KEVIN HESLIN

For destination weddings, family is usually the whole point. Most of the time, the people coming to your wedding don’t all live close to each other. They fly in from different places, and for a lot of families, this is one of the few times everyone is together in the same room.

I think about that on the wedding day. I’m watching for the moments between people — not just the couple, but the grandparents, the parents, the siblings. The moments you don’t see happening because you’re living them.

That’s what I’m there for. To make sure those moments aren’t lost. I don’t just make generic photos — I make photos based on your relationships, and I create artwork that honors them.

Tamarindo Wedding Photographer

“I am forever grateful to you for helping me relive the best day of my life whenever I want.

The photographs are downright gorgeous, and you captured exactly what I was hoping you’d capture — the raw emotion of the morning. We cried all over again. You really captured the individual moments and emotions in a way that we can relive them anytime. Thank you for this magical work.“

MIKE & BECKY

  • weddings in costa rica. contact costa rica wedding photographer

    “He didn’t just take photographs of us that day — he captured the soul and spirit of the entire ceremony.”

    ASHLEY & ALVARO
  • Two women in elegant dresses, one in a wedding gown and veil, joyfully dance and laugh together indoors—captured beautifully by a Costa Rica wedding photographer celebrating their special occasion.

    “Every time we revisit the photographs of my dance with mom and the ceremony, my heart skips a beat.”

    CARLA & RICKY
  • costa rica wedding photographer testimonial

    “Kevin doesn’t just capture an image — he captures the emotions and surrounding energy as well.”

    DIANA & BILL
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Kevin Heslin Behind the Scenes - Destination wedding photographer in Costa Rica.

Real Moments Happen When You Feel Comfortable

I photograph every wedding myself. From our first chat to your last dance, you get me and the team I trust.

Before the wedding, I want to know your story. What makes you both laugh. Who the important people are and what they mean to you. I need to know what you love about wedding photography — and what you hate about it. That conversation shapes everything.

When the day comes, whether it’s a big celebration or an intimate elopement, you’re not handing your wedding day to a stranger. You already know me. That comfort shows in the photographs. See what’s included in the Costa Rica wedding packages.

LET’S CONNECT
RE-LIVE THESE MOMENTS WITH FRIENDS AND LOVED ONES.

I believe these memories should be present in real life — not buried on a phone or sitting in a folder nobody opens. This is why all my wedding collections include a beautiful album as well as options for custom-designed wall art. People come over, they spot the album, they start flipping through it. Then the questions start — what was happening here, why is this person laughing, why is she crying — and suddenly you’re reliving the whole day. That doesn’t happen with a digital gallery. And years from now, your kids will look through that album and see you on one of the best days of your life. That album isn’t just a record of your wedding. It’s a monument to who you love and why.

  • A man in a suit wipes tears from his eyes while holding glasses, standing beside another suited man. Both wear boutonnieres, captured beautifully by a Costa Rica wedding photographer. The emotional scene unfolds at a wedding amid blurred figures and soft lighting.
  • A couple in formal attire sits smiling under an arch of intertwined branches and greenery. The woman wears a white lace dress and the man wears a dark suit with a colorful tie. They are on sandy ground with sunlight filtering through the trees.
  • A black and white image of a bride ascending stairs, captured by a Costa Rica wedding photographer. She holds the railing in an off-the-shoulder dress and veil, her long, wavy hair cascading down. Her reflection on the wall adds depth to this composition.
  • A joyful couple embraces on a beach at sunset in Costa Rica. The man, wearing a white shirt, smiles broadly as the woman, adorned with a floral crown, leans into him happily. Captured by an expert wedding photographer, the serene ocean view enhances their blissful moment.
  • A woman in a long, elegant dress navigates rocky terrain, captured in classic black and white. As she balances gracefully, the image reveals the intricate textures of stones and fabric—a moment reminiscent of a Costa Rica wedding photographers dreamy portfolio.
  • An older couple embraces lovingly by the water. The woman in a white lace dress smiles with her eyes closed, while the man in a plaid shirt hugs her tightly. The calm, water background sets a serene mood.
  • An elderly woman and a younger woman share a joyful moment, both smiling with their eyes closed. The younger woman leans in close, touching her forehead to the elders. The scene is warm and affectionate, captured in black and white.
  • A couple in formal attire stands close together, smiling tenderly in front of a waterfall. The woman is in a white dress, and the man wears a suit. The background is blurred, highlighting the intimate moment. Black and white photo.
  • A black and white photo of a couple. The woman, in a lacy dress, touches the mans face while holding a piece of paper. The man, wearing a light button-up shirt, looks emotional. They stand closely, with a blurred natural background.
  • contact costa rica wedding photographer
  • A couple stands together on rocks at the base of a large, flowing waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. Sunlight filters through mist, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere.
  • Bride in a lace gown holding a bouquet stands back-to-back with a groom in a light suit. They hold hands around a corner, both smiling, in a pre-wedding pose on a wooden floor with a curtain backdrop. Black and white image.
  • weddings in costa rica. contact costa rica wedding photographer

A Destination Wedding Photographer Who Lives Here

I’ve been photographing destination weddings in Costa Rica for 20 years. Most of my couples plan from outside the country. They come here because they want their wedding to feel like them, not like a production.

The in-between moments

What I hear most, even from people who say they don’t know anything about photography, is that there’s something different about my images. They’re not trying to be pretty for pretty’s sake. They show how a family actually interacts. How a wedding day actually feels. The reactions, the connections, the moments your guests are having while you’re not looking. Those are the photographs people come back to years later.

I learn your people before the day

Before every wedding, I spend real time getting to know my couples. I ask about the people who will be there: the sister who helped plan everything, the grandparents who never leave the country, the best friend who has been there through it all. That way, when the day comes, I know which moments to watch for.

You get me, start to finish

I photograph every wedding myself, alongside a team I’ve handpicked. You get me behind the camera from the first conversation to the final album, not an associate with a checklist.

I know this country

I’ve shot weddings in every condition Costa Rica can throw at you: harsh midday sun, 10-minute golden hours, surprise rain. That experience is something you can’t fake, and it means your day runs smoothly no matter what.

View Wedding Packages

A COMPLETE DESTINATION WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICE.

Live, love, and enjoy your relationships on your wedding day. You can savor a carefree day without constant interruptions and heavy-handed poses. And in no time you will have these tangible memories that you can hang on your wall, or set in a spot of honor in your living room. Together, we can turn your house into a home.

experience

wedding packages

My Costa Rica wedding packages are designed to be simple, flexible, and have absolutely no hidden costs.

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are you ready?

let’s connect

Life’s adventure captured in a photo. Let’s get in touch and discuss the details.

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portrait sessions

destination portraits in paradise

As a Costa Rica wedding photographer, I specialize in transforming moments into timeless memories across a diverse range of portrait experiences.

Costa Rica’s breathtaking landscapes provide the perfect backdrop for capturing who you are. Whether you’re seeking to commemorate a milestone like an engagement proposal, or celebrate a relationship like family portraits, each portrait session is a unique journey of storytelling and self-expression.

See all types of portrait sessions
  • A family of four walks on a large driftwood log at the beach during sunset. The parents stand with a young child, and another child walks beside them. The sky is cloudy with a soft, pastel palette, and the ocean is calm.
  • Amid a clear, blue sky, a person in a white dress looks emotional as another kneels with an open ring box during a surprise beach proposal.
  • A family of four, two adults and two children, walk hand in hand along a sandy beach with lush green trees in the background. They are barefoot and dressed in casual summer clothes, smiling and enjoying their time together.
  • Surprise Sunset Engagement Proposal
  • A child with curly hair smiles at the camera, wearing a sleeveless pink top. The background is filled with lush green foliage, creating a vibrant outdoor setting.
  • engagement proposal
  • Silhouette of a family by the beach during sunset. A person lifts a child in the air, while another adult and child hold hands. Trees frame the scene, and islands are visible in the ocean background.
  • Silhouette of a couple holding hands beneath arching tree branches on Playa Prieta beach at sunset, capturing an unforgettable engagement proposal with the ocean and cloudy sky in the background.
  • Four children explore a rocky cave opening by the water. They stand on wet sand surrounded by textured stone walls. The perspective is from above, highlighting the caves narrow entrance and natural setting.
  • A couple walks hand in hand along Playa Prieta’s secluded shoreline, smiling at each other—capturing a romantic engagement proposal. Gentle waves and lush, tree-covered hills frame the scene in timeless black and white.

GETTING MARRIED IN GUANACASTE?

Check out these recent resource articles.

Planning a wedding in Costa Rica usually comes with a lot of unknowns. Where to get married, how the areas differ, and how the day actually works here. These guides are here to help you understand what to expect and make better decisions as you plan. Find out everything from the inside scoop on how to plan an elopement, the best wedding venues in Costa Rica, to the legalities of getting married in Costa Rica.

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faq

Got some questions?

01.

Costa Rica has a lot of different wedding experiences depending on where you go. Tamarindo and Papagayo are very different from Uvita and Manuel Antonio — the vibe, the light, and what vendors are available all change. I’ve shot weddings across all of these areas and I’m happy to help you think through which one fits your group. The full venue guide is a good starting point.

02.

Absolutely! Whether you’re planning a grand wedding or an intimate wedding with just a few loved ones, I can accommodate your vision. Many couples opt for an elopement in Costa Rica because of its laid-back atmosphere and breathtaking scenery. No matter the size, my goal is to capture the essence of your love story in a natural, relaxed, and exuberant way.

03.

After 20 years here, I’ve shot weddings in every condition Costa Rica can produce. Rain, wind, harsh sun, last-minute timeline changes — I’ve seen it all. I know how the light shifts here, how fast golden hour moves, and what to do when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Some of my favorite photos have come from rainy days. We’ll be ready no matter what.

04.

I sure do. I work with a talented team of videographers who can capture the essence of your wedding story. Together, we ensure that your wedding day is documented in a way that brings tears to your eyes every time you look back at it.

05.

Yes, I travel all over Costa Rica for destination weddings and elopements! Whether you’re planning a beach wedding, a mountain elopement, or a waterfall ceremony, I’m excited to capture your special moments.

06.

I totally understand you’re excited to see your photographs! My typical turnaround time is 6-8 weeks. I take great care in editing each image to ensure they meet our high standards. You’ll receive a sneak peek gallery after your event to tide you over while I finish all the photographs and the album design.